Sixteen St. Louis Hip-Hop Acts to Watch in 2014

DOWNSTEREO - For some reason this group is slept on by St. Louis media, but it has a bigger fan base than most of the artists mentioned on this list. We often work together -- I needed a band for my LouFest performance and these gentlemen were the obvious choice. Together we've also played the same stage as Mobb Deep and Action Bronson. The group was basically the house band at the Delmar Lounge, and since then its reputation has grown to legendary heights. DOWNSTEREO was also the headliner this year at Bump & Hustles NYE party. The bands has worked with the best of the best in St. Louis music, including the likes of Black Spade, Lamar Harris, Alexis Tucci, Family Affair, Nato Caliph, Jai Davis, B.Money and many many more. Its annual J. Dilla tribute is basically a hip-hop holiday in the city of St. Louis. In Philly the hip-hop band of the city is the Roots. In St. Louis the hip-hop band of the city is undoubtedly DOWNSTEREO. In 2014 I believe the group is finally poised to attain the household name recognition it deserves.

Corey Black - The hustler of all hustlers. The jack of all trades. Corey Black is one of the most well-known poets in the city of St. Louis. He represented the city last year in front of the judges of the famed TV program Showtime At The Apollo. He started up a St. Louis clothing line that is currently shipping orders all over the country. Corey Black is not your typical rapper; he is also a member of the United States Marine Corps. He has performed on nearly every stage in this city, a master manipulator of branding and marketing on a indie level. The only thing missing from his arsenal at the current moment is a respectable body of music for his fans. He has done nearly everything you can do as a local entertainer, and the next phase of his progression will be rooted in the music he releases.

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Trixie

Trixie - In this genre, women are often slept on and their contributions to the culture seem to not get respected as much as their male counterparts. Let's face it, if you're a woman, you have to work twice as hard as the men do, and in Trixie's case that's exactly what she does. On paper she has a wholesome, clean teenage image, but on wax she has the potty mouth of a sailor. She has collaborated with Nelly, Lil Saint Louis and Nick Menn. In my opinion she is one of the most talented young women we have to offer the world of entertainment. Her newest offering, Red Cup Religion, is slated to be released in 2014. Her promotional campaign for the project has been solid thus far; this LP will have more than a few head-turning moments.

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Reup Von Wolfgang - A dark, tormented artist that makes beautiful music, Reup Von Wolfgang plays double-duty as a rapper and producer working with some of the biggest names you can think of. He performed at the Indy 500 last year. He has a very unique lane and doesn't really care about the public perception of his image, music or personality. He has the talent and the drive and is also affiliated with the world-renowned Raider Klan. His resume is quietly impressive -- he's no stranger to hard work and dedication. In 2014 Reup Von Wolfgang will drop his solo project and continue to build the cult following he is very capable of creating.

Editor: Tef Poe is an artist from St. Louis city. Through powerful imagery and complicated honesty, he has earned a reputation as one of the best rappers telling the story of St. Louis, which is about much more than one place. Poe has been featured in music publications such as XXL and Urb Magazine. His project The Hero Killer was released on January 21 and will be followed up by a full-length with DJ Burn One entitled Cheer For the Villain. Follow him on twitter @tefpoe. Get The Hero Killerhere.

Hey guys! I have a few things on sound cloud but right now i'm working on putting out my first album! It should be out in the next few months :D I'm really excited about it. This is the link to my sound cloud if you want to listen to the one's I have up! https://soundcloud.com/sarah-sgro

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